Electronics manufacturing is way more nasty than most people are willing to admit. The idea that solar panels are "good for the environment" always makes me cringe a little.
The trouble is that solar panels in lots of areas are vulnerable to weathering, accidents, theft and sometimes vandalism. The ones I've seen are just not very durable. I drive by a field full of them frequently and a couple times a year I see workers replacing a panel or two. I've been told they're supposed to last for a minimum of 15 years.